The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), for the first time,
demolished four illegal mobile towers last week. In January 2012, the
high court had granted a stay on the removal of mobile towers. The BMC,
however, demolished the four saying the stay was on towers of some other
service providers.

A senior DoT official, “As per new DoT guidelines, telecom
installations are lifeline installations and a critical infrastructure
in mobile communication, which is considered as essential service.”

“So, to avoid disruption in mobile communication, the action of sealing
of towers or disconnection of electricity may not be resorted to
without the consent of the respective TERM Cell of DoT with respect to
radiation-related issues,” added the officer.

SS Sirohi, senior deputy director general (security-TERM), said, “Since
the guidelines are not marked to them, we informed the police chief
about them to avoid any such action in the future by civic authorities.
It is to bring in more clarity and avoid disruption of mobile services.”

Sirohi added that the civic body cannot initiate any action on mobile towers as far as radiation-related issues are concerned.

Meanwhile, the Cellphone Operators Association of India (COAI) has
submitted a memorandum to the police commissioner asking for a stop on
such demolitions.

COAI spokesperson said, “We have given them copies of guidelines and
requested them to direct the local police to stop BMC’s demolition
action as it is not as per the DoT guidelines.”